Solangelo

Chapter Twelve

Nico sat on the table opposite Jason with Will at his side, Cecil opposite Will, his arm around Lou Ellen.

Percy and Annabeth were sitting across from each other and Piper, next to Nico. She was the only one who noticed how close Will and Nico had been when they entered. The only one other than Jason who was wiggling his eyebrows furiously at Nico, trying to communicate with him. Nico thought Jason was having a seizure.

After the sacrifices, Nico had one slice of pizza on his plate and he was filled with dread. He didn't look at it with regret, though, as Will held his hand under the table he looked at it with hope. So he picked it up and took a bite, and then another.

Sure, he may have emptied his guts after that but at least now he knew that the pizza was good. That he might like to eat it and digest it. And at least he knew that Will was going to be by his side for all of it.

Will looked at the shaking Italian boy in his arms. He had just thrown up after dry heaving for thirty minutes. They had gone back to his cabin after dinner and Will was talking to Nico who was pacing, and suddenly he was doubled over and gagging.

Nico was exhausted and his eyes were filled with tears from the force at which the bile had pushed its way up his throat but he wasn't regretful as Will held him.

He was ready to try again. Later, hopefully, he would be able to eat it.